KEGWORTH SET ANOTHER ATTENDANCE RECORD

The Winning Suffolk Senior Team

The East Midlands Intercounties bandwagon rolled into Kegworth this weekend, which played host to this year’s FITASC team Championships. Although some counties were unable to field teams for one reason or another, I’m pleased to say thanks to John & Janet’s hard work, 116 shooters pitched up to take part, and in the process set a new East Midlands record for attendance at the team FITASC event.

With Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Norfolk unable to field senior teams it was to be a five way scrap over the coveted glassware, not forgetting the battle for Directors Trophy points.

The weather over both days was comfortable, not really jacket weather but a chilly breeze especially on Sunday, and was enough to put a few more mph on tailwind targets, and just put the brakes on those flying into the face of the breeze.

The course was fair to all classes, with a good mix of close and sometimes just outside of the comfort zone targets, not forgetting that annoying little bumble bee target to leave the occasional shooter shaking their head as they walked from the hoop muttering various expletives.

Close inspection of the teams pre-event showed once again that Suffolk were here to win, and the possible dark horses of the event, Northants, making a rare visit to the FITASC layouts pressganged by Team Manager Emma Nelson.

The FITASC Refs, affectionatley known as "Wroughton's Rejects"

 Not many of the county team shooters shot on Saturday, although Gary Greet (Leics) 89, Tony Leonard (Cambs) 84, James Lacey (Northants) 88 and Matt Shepherd (Northants) 86 were notable exceptions.

Sundays entrants were mainly county shooters, and the battle in earnest  really got under way and it was clear from early on that Suffolk and Northants were already dominating proceedings as both edged away from the remaining teams.

As the competition progressed Suffolk had stretched out a commanding lead of ten points with that trademark of Suffolk’s, consistent scoring. Simon Smith top scored on 92, Neil Bedingfield 91, Puff Baker 90, Philip Moss 75, Michael Hermitage 74 and Stuart Smith 82 to take the team title on 355 ex 400.

Northants took the runners up honours almost 30 points clear of the third place finishers, Dave Morgan making his county debut top scored with James Lacey on 88, Matt Shepherd 86, Steve Smith 83, Paul Cooper 80 and Mike Rolstone 73 completed the Northants line up.

For the first time in many a year we had no Ladies team entries, were not really sure why, but hopefully with some help from the counties we can rectify that next season.

In juniors it was just a two way battle between Suffolk and Lincolnshire, both sides boasting at least one well known junior star. For Suffolk it was Aaron Harvey who recorded a fantastic 88, but he was beaten to the Junior HG trophy by Rob Russell of Lincolnshire by the narrowest of margins, just a single target.  It was further success for Rob and his Lincolnshire team mates as their team score of 169 ex 200 secured the winners glassware by six clays, Joel Parsons 65 and Alex Kettle 80 completing the winning line up.

The Lincolnshire Juniors, Rob Russell Junior High Gun pictured far right.

In Veterans it was once again Leicestershire who triumphed thanks to a superb score of 92 from Steve Brightwell, Steve was ably backed up by G Eames 80, D Gagin 63 and G Wells 71. Their team score of 172 ex 200 was just three shots clear of nearest rivals Cambridgeshire, Peter Simpson 85 and Tony Leonard top scoring on 84.

Top scoring Veteran, Steve Brightwell (Leicestershire)

 Finally many thanks to John, Janet and their team at Kegworth, and not forgetting the fantastic team of FITASC refs, who did their best to keep things moving, and with a smile on their face.

We now up sticks and head out to Barrow Heath for the Intercounties Sporting next Sunday September 21st. The event is not squaded  and is an open event to anyone, and with a crowd of about 250 expected the prize pots should look very healthy.